Whats New

Dec2011

ZIMCO: ENGLISH LAUNDRY

ALL THINGS ENGLISH

Zimco Optics launches English Laundry Eyewear. Created by designer Christopher Wicks, the English Laundry brand, originally known for its hand-sewn men’s shirts, has expanded into menswear, women’s apparel, accessories and fragrance. Every category is inspired by Christopher Wicks’ love of vintage looks, rock music and his hometown, Manchester, England. The new eyewear ­collection, which consists of 10 men’s and 10 women’s styles, takes its inspiration from England’s gray skies, industrial landscapes, local pubs and most importantly the underground music scene. The women’s designs feature vintage styling, the English Laundry signature print and the EL logo. The men’s frames are updated retro styles with such accents as pinstripes, stitched leather and bold gothic metal details. All frames have metal Union Jacks on the temple tips and are named after a fixture of the Manchester music scene: i.e., Curtis, for Ian Curtis, lead singer of Joy Division; and Una, for Una Baines, the original keyboard player in the post-punk band The Fall.

Photographed by Matt Lambros/Black Box Studios

PHILOSOPHY: “This collection is truly inspired,” says Mitch Zimberg, Zimco president. “We loved working with Christopher Wicks and his team to put the English Laundry stamp on every style. There was certainly no shortage of inspiration with this brand.”

INSIGHTFounded in 1978 by Allen Zimberg and based in Brooklyn, N.Y., Zimco Optics is family owned. In 1988, Allen’s son, Mitchell, joined the company and is now president. Zimco currently has two additional licensed brands, Ebony and Harve Benard, and nine house brands.